School subject: Geography/Sports

Author: Risto Tanninen, Harjunrinteen koulu, Riihimäki, Finland

Topic: Camping outside

Class level: 8-9th graders/13 – 15 year-olds

Short description: The activity took place in the school yard and at the forest. Students learnt camping skills and to orient themselves on the map. Students used phone applications - calculator, compass, google maps.

Time: 2-6 hours

Learning objectives:

Objectives are to teach and develop students camping and surviving skills at nature. Students will learn to build a tent at suitable place. They will also learn what to take with them considering the possible weather. They will learn to make a fire and food outside. Teacher will tell them what are the regulations connected to camping outside in a forest. Basic orienteering skills are learned too.

Process:

The students are grouped into groups of three to four students. Students or school have to have enough tents to be used. Student groups will practice building a tent at school yard where it is easier than in a nature. They will also make a fire and grill for example sausages in a fire.

Next lessons will happen in a forest. Students will have a task to orienteer themselves at the place where camping will happen. Students have to know have to use map and other orienteering equipment like compass. At target area student will build up their tents and get ready to meal. Students will make a fire and warm their food. If it is possible student group can stay outside all night.